Massive Healthcare Fraud Takedown Nets 10 in Southern California
Justice Department Unveils Largest Healthcare Fraud Sweep in U.S. History
Federal authorities have charged ten individuals in Southern California as part of a sweeping crackdown on healthcare fraud, an operation described as the most significant federal and state effort to combat such crimes in the nation’s history. This initiative, dubbed the “2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown,” has led to charges against 455 defendants across the country, implicating schemes totaling over $6.5 billion in alleged fraudulent activity.
Southern California Defendants Face Serious Charges
In the Central District of California, prosecutors have brought criminal charges against ten defendants accused of defrauding government-funded healthcare programs. Five individuals were apprehended in the greater Los Angeles area, allegedly involved in a scheme that submitted nearly $270 million in fraudulent claims to Medi-Cal for costly prescription drugs.
Among those facing charges is Christina Mareik, 61, also known as Christina Marie Sanchez Hernandez, of Whittier. Investigators allege Mareik played a key role in facilitating fraudulent prescriptions that generated substantial claims to Medi-Cal, with the program ultimately disbursing over $178 million. The claims reportedly involved expensive drugs with inexpensive generic ingredients that were either not medically necessary or were never dispensed to the intended recipients. Authorities also stated that Mareik submitted thousands of fraudulent prescriptions under her own name and sent others to a co-conspirator.
Mareik was arrested on June 17 and faces charges of healthcare fraud. The investigation also targets a San Fernando Valley man accused of operating hospice care companies that allegedly bilked Medicare out of approximately $27 million.
Broader National Impact
The nationwide takedown, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, aims to send a clear message to those who exploit American taxpayers. “Fraudsters can no longer rip off American taxpayers,” Blanche stated during a news conference detailing the initiative. “If you seek to harm or cheat Americans, we will find you, seize any assets and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also added two fugitives to its ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list in connection with this historic sweep.
In addition to Mareik, other defendants charged in the Central District of California include Oren David Shachar, 59, of Van Nuys; Abraham Shin, 66, of Corona; and Jeannie Choi, 57, of Torrance. These three individuals are named in a 16-count indictment alleging their conspiracy to defraud Medicare of approximately $27 million.
The charges levied against these defendants encompass a range of offenses, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, monetary transactions involving criminally derived property exceeding $10,000, and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
